Another week of football is nearly in the books, and Andy, Mike, and Jason are here to break it all down again. Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 7 Studs and Duds & Brown Tent, Ready to Roll
The guys start by getting sophisticated, then jump right in.
Ready to Roll
Today, the guys are discussing target shifts and how teams have changed throughout the year. Mike brings up the shift of targets to Tee Higgins instead of Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins is an integral part of the offense, but Andy is not trying to trade off him, especially with his playoff schedule. San Francisco is discussed next, with them losing Brandon Aiyuk this weekend. CMC is still gone, and the WRs have been getting everything for the Niners – Ricky Pearsall could have the opportunity to step up moving forward.
News
It is believed that Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL on Sunday, and this looks to be a lost season. Another significant injury happened, with Deshaun Watson tearing his Achilles; it is uncertain who the Browns will have under center moving forward. Jayden Daniels left his game in the first quarter, and Mom says he is “fine.” D.K. Metcalf was carted off, but hopefully, it is not as bad as it looked. The Gardner Minshew experience begins again in Las Vegas, and Will Levis was an early scratch.
Studs
Welcome back, Russell Wilson, who is currently the QB1 on the week. Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts close out the top three. Drake Maye was a great streamer against Jacksonville. On to the RBs, highlighted by Jahmyr Gibbs. Saquon and Joe Mixon had great games, and Tank Bigsby was huge. Andy sees a committee in Jacksonville when Etienne returns. Breece Hall was not good on the ground but saved himself through the air. The Bone Zone was hot on Sunday, and Bijan looked great for Atlanta. Kyren was great, as always.
Amon-Ra was one of the most successful WRs this week, and Brian Thomas Jr. hit his stride after the first quarter. George Pickens will have more opportunities with Wilson under center. Drake London was successful, and Jason suggests buying high on him with a good playoff schedule. David Njoku and Brock Bowers were the most successful TEs this week, and Jason reminds us of Hunter Henry, who is doing well with Drake Maye. George Kittle will be even better moving forward.
Duds
C.J. Stroud was horrendous, and Kirk Cousins has been inconsistent after that big game. Andy was right about Anthony Richardson being a bad pick with his draft cost. Several RBs struggled this week, including Alvin Kamara, but the guys are not worried. Jordan Mason did not get into the end zone, and even though he is an expiring asset, he should have better days. Devin Singletary had a bad showing for the Giants, and Austin Ekeler barely got used.
Malik Nabers and Tank Dell had horrible games, and Davante Adams flew across the nation to have the same outcome. Throw out DeVonta Smith’s poor game, and Mike is not worried about Diontae Johnson, but he is concerned about Andy Dalton pumpkin-ing. You cannot trust any WRs with Anthony Richardson in Indy. Kelce, LaPorta, and Engram all broke hearts.
Enjoy the two Monday night games!
Tuesday – Week 8 Waiver and Streamers, Difference Makers
Monday Night Recap
Mike lost on the final offensive play of the evening on Monday, but he made it in today to reflect. Kyler and James Conner had decent games, overcoming J.K. Dobbins on the other side of the ball. Conner delivered with yardage, but Marvin Harrison had another bad game, and he and Kyler are still not on the same page. Mark Andrews is back in the fold with two TDs and is a talented player on a good offense. The team is Lamar and Derrick Henry, and they dominated almost the entire game. Tampa Bay looked good with that Mike Evans TD, but then he re-injured his hamstring. The worst news from last night was the horrendous Chris Godwin injury and this might have been the swan song for Laser Mayfield.
Difference Makers
The guys debut a new segment, breaking down players that might be the start of building your championship run – an opportunity to get ahead of the curve. Andy mentions Jauan Jennings, who could step up after Aiyuk’s injury. Another Niner to keep an eye on is Deebo, who Jason reminds us gets extra work when another WR is out of the picture. Mike suggests Jaylen Warren and then Jason closes out with De’Von Achane – the schedule for Miami RBs is good moving forward.
News
Everyone is injured. Jayden Daniels is in doubt for this week, and Jameson Williams is facing a two-game suspension for violating their performance-enhancing policy. This could lead to more Sam LaPorta. Tua has turned down the guardian cap, and we could see him back under center soon. Chris Olave is still in concussion protocol, and JuJu might miss multiple weeks.
Waiver Wire
Jaylen Warren starts us off with RB options. Check on Alexander Mattison, too, even though it is a bad matchup for him this week. You can spot-start Tyler Allgeier and grab Ray Davis, although he is more of an insurance RB at this point. Jason sees a lot of cheap options this week, including Justice Hill. Mike thinks D’Ernest Johnson will see a lot of play this week, and Jason reminds us to eye the insurance backs.
You obviously look at Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, and the guys are ok punting Josh Downs to get there. Check for Romeo Doubs, Jerry Jeudy, and Khalil Shakir, but they are probably rostered. Keep an eye out for Cedric Tillman in Cleveland. Insert the obligatory Troy Franklin chat, and there have been some rumors of Courtland Sutton being traded to San Francisco, which would open up some opportunities. Do not forget about Rashod Bateman.
Cade Otton and Hunter Henry are the big names to consider at TE, but the guys are not buying into Jonnu Smith. The defenses you are targeting are Detroit, Baltimore, and the Chargers, who have three great matchups coming up. You can look at Houston and Green Bay as well.
Streamers
Andy is streaming Patrick Mahomes (yet not with confidence), Jason is going with Kirk Cousins, and finally, Mike is starting Bo Nix.
Wednesday – 2nd Half Sleepers and Hopkins Traded!
Hungry for More
Andy is starving for more from Javonte Williams, who was delightful for fantasy last week. Mike wants to see more from Cedric Tillman, and Jason is hungry for more from Kareem Hunt.
News
The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired DeAndre Hopkins, and the guys mention that his range of outcomes could be huge. The Saints surprised everyone and extended Alvin Kamara, and Jameis Winston will be under center for Cleveland starting this week. Tua will practice in full today and should be the starting QB against Arizona on Sunday. Mike Evans was not put on IR and could return after their bye week. Jayden Daniels is close to returning, and Deebo has been released from the hospital. The Rams have opened the 21-day window for Puka Nacua.
Second Half Sleepers
Andy is putting on extremely strong underpants, and his second-half sleeper is Calvin Ridley, who is now the only name in town with the departure of DeAndre Hopkins. Even though the process makes sense, whether they can take advantage of the opportunity is questionable. Mike is going with George Pickens as someone who could help people win championships. The Steelers have a nice stretch of a schedule that is kind to WRs.
Dak Prescott has been average so far this season, and Jason believes lightning will strike twice this year. Dallas has an excellent schedule for the QBs moving forward, and Jason thinks he will be a second-half sleeper. Bonus picks include T.J. Hockenson and Braelon Allen.
Thursday Night Breakdown
Minnesota takes on the Los Angeles Rams with a high over/under. The Rams should get Cooper Kupp back this week, and a Darnold/Stafford trade rumor is swirling. You are always starting Kyren for Los Angeles, and Andy is checking out after that. On the Minnesota side, you’re starting Aaron Jones and Jefferson, and Addison is a little scary. Enjoy the Matthew Stafford bowl.
Thursday – Starts of the Week and Week 8 Breakdown, Triple Clown
News
Cooper Kupp is good to go tonight, and now there is optimism around Puka playing this week as well. Mike Evans will be out for at least four weeks, and Bryce Young will be starting against the Broncos’ defense this week. Adam Thielen returned to practice this week, and you need to keep an eye on D.K. Metcalf. It is still uncertain whether Jayden Daniels will be able to play this week. Keep an eye on the Niners’ practice reports.
Starts of the Week
Jason is starting C.J. Stroud, D’Andre Swift, Tank Dell, and Kyle Pitts. Andy is going with Tua in a great matchup, J.K. Dobbins, Jayden Reed, and Dalton Kincaid. Finally, Mike is starting Jordan Love, Javonte Williams, Darnell Mooney, and David Njoku.
Fantasy Forecast
Philadelphia and Cincinnati start us off. The guys are adequately confident in Joe Burrow, and on the other side, Saquon is a must-start. You start your other studs, and Mike suggests trying to trade for DeVonta Smith after a bad game for him. Keep an eye on the backup TE for Philly with Dallas Goedert out. Baltimore heads to Cleveland to play the Jameis-led Browns. Andy is not confident with any Brown and believes the only startable player is David Njoku. You are starting your usual Ravens and can even look to Rashod Bateman.
The Titans and the Lions are the next game. Your usual Detroit stars are in your lineup, and the only Tennessee option is Tony Pollard. Even that might be rough. Arizona flies across the nation to play against Tua in Miami. On the Dolphins’ side, you want all the pieces against the questionable Cardinals’ defense, but Waddle is still a risk. Continue to confidently play Trey McBride, and you can hold on with Marvin Harrison Jr. The offense has been James Conner, and it is a good matchup for him.
The Jets take on the Patriots next, and this game is not exciting to Andy. Adams, Breece Hall, and Wilson are in your lineup, and Aaron Rodgers is an option. If you can get out of Rhamondre, Mike suggests doing it. Atlanta takes on Tampa Bay who will be wearing their delightful creamsicle jerseys. This game won’t have as many fireworks as these two teams had a few weeks back, with so many players injured. Andy believes the team will lean on Rachaad White, and you can start Darnell Mooney for Atlanta. Green Bay and Jacksonville will be up next, and you can fire up most of your Packers. On the Jags’ side, Brian Thomas and Evan Engram are in and make sure to keep an eye on Travis Etienne’s health.
Enjoy the Thursday night game!
Friday – Week 8 Matchups and Spicy Starts, Wheel of Shame
Thursday Night Recap
It was 58 minutes of a great game until an egregious face mask penalty was not called. This turned into a safety, and the game was over. But the guys are burying the lede – Puka is back and looks great! Kyren was also solid, and Cooper Kupp managed a TD. For Minnesota, Aaron Jones was the workhorse.
News
Calvin Ridley remains sidelined on Thursday, and Jason would pump the brakes on him. Travis Etienne is a game-time decision, and if he doesn’t go, Tank Bigsby becomes an option. Tua will start this weekend, so rejoice, Miami fans! Monitor Bucky Irving and his health, and Chris Olave and JT join the full practice club. Jayden Daniels is doubtful this week.
Fantasy Forecast
Indy and Houston start us off today. Anthony Richardson is the big question – even though he has a high ceiling, his floor is extremely low. The Colts are pretty straightforward in Mike’s eyes; you are starting Taylor, perhaps Pittman, and moving on. On the Texans’ side, Joe Mixon is a must-start along with the Houston WRs. New Orleans heads west to Los Angeles to play the Chargers. Andy loves the Los Angeles defense here, and Jason is starting Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, but he reminds us to temper our expectations. J.K. Dobbins is Andy’s start of the week.
The Bills and the Seahawks battle next. The NFC West is close, and this is an important game for Seattle. Amari Cooper should be more in tune with the offense and is a good start for Buffalo. With uncertainty surrounding D.K. Metcalf and his availability, the guys suggest benching Geno if Metcalf does not play. You obviously prepare yourself for the Bone Zone. You can still start James Cook for Buffalo, and Seattle struggles against TEs.
Carolina travels to Denver, and the Broncos are over 10-point favorites. The Denver defense is an incredible start. The only question on the Carolina side is whether you play Chuba, and the guys think it is an alright plan on volume alone. Bo Nix is in play and Javonte is Mike’s start of the week. The Chiefs and Raiders are up next, and Andy thinks Mahomes is a possibility this week. Hopkins will help move the sticks for the Chiefs, but he is a risky start. Kareem Hunt is a fantastic option, and their defense should be in lineups. Alexander Mattison is a desperation start if you are stuck, and Brock Bowers should eat.
The Commanders and Bears are up, and the big question is Jayden Daniels and his health. If Daniels is playing, Jason is starting him. The Chicago offense has come alive, but the guys say Moore and Kmet are your only starting pass-catchers. For Washington, Brian Robinson and Zach Ertz are a go. Sunday night brings us Dallas and San Francisco, and this is a huge game. The Niners should lean on the run in a great matchup against the Cowboys. If Deebo is active, you are starting him. The Giants and the Steelers close out the week in a gross over/under. From a fantasy perspective, ew. Besides Nabers and Pickens, there are very few other options. Najee is startable.
The guys reveal their DraftKings lineup, and Jason spins the wheel of shame to close out the show. Good luck this week, FootClan!
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